Chelsea Beat Stubborn Bournemouth 2-0 At Stamford Bridge
The Cherries had produced a stubborn defensive display to frustrate the hosts before Pedro struck seven minutes after replacing Willian.
The Spaniard exchanged passes with fellow substitute Olivier Giroud before his deflected finish beat former Blues keeper Asmir Begovic.
Hazard doubled the lead with a quality finish from an angle while Bournemouth’s ex-Chelsea defender Nathan Ake blazed over from three yards out when the game was goalless.
Chelsea are level on points with leaders Liverpool, who have a superior goal difference, but they had to dig deep against a resolute Bournemouth side, and once again the Blues left it late before their fans could bask in another victory.
Two weeks ago, their winner at home to Arsenal did not arrive until the 81st minute. At Newcastle last week, it was even later.
Against the Cherries, Hazard’s second goal – which ultimately sealed the points – came five minutes from time after Sarri’s side had dominated possession but struggled to break Bournemouth down until Pedro struck.
Marcos Alonso was denied by the post at the end of the first half, while the Spaniard was further frustrated by a fine save from Begovic, and it was only when Hazard notched his second goal in as many games that the hosts could finally relax.
Chelsea have won their first four games of the season for the first time since 2014-15, when they went on to win the Premier League.
Bigger tests lie ahead, but Chelsea have started strongly under Sarri and that bodes well for the future.
BBC
